A joint initiative between Jewish Care and Jewish Small Communities Network supporting wellbeing and welfare across the UK
We have seen time and again the proven power of networks to effect real change. And we know there’s a real appetite for connection across the sector with regard to Wellbeing and Welfare provision for those both in Jewish communities and those living independently. In our recent consultations, all those we spoke to expressed a strong need to link up with their peers across the UK.
SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR SURVEY
AIMS
The network aims to link Jewish communities around the country with each other and both JSCN and Jewish Care, from the specific perspective of community welfare & wellbeing.
WHO IT'S FOR
If you are on your local Jewish community leadership team and responsible for overseeing Welfare & Wellbeing...
please do come along to learn more about the range of support JSCN and Jewish Care can provide or signpost to communities across the country, as well as meeting one another and sharing your experiences.
PROPOSAL FOR EACH MEETING:
1. communities share experiences, ideas and successes
2. we will spotlight a particular service or resource
THE FIRST NATIONAL NETWORKING MEETING
Was held online on 3rd February 2025
If you would like to attend
please send an email to...
hello@jscn.org.uk
CONNECTING HANDS
FIRST NATIONAL NETWORK MEETING
3rd FEBRUARY 2025
BRIEF SUMMARY
Welfare leaders from 11 communities across the UK joined us for this initial event.
- Cheltenham Hebrew Congregation
- Darlington Reform Synagogue
- Lincolnshire Liberal Jewish Community
- Catford and Bromley United Synagogue.
- Cardiff United Synagogue
- Croydon and District Synagogue.
- Kent Liberal Community
- Bournemouth Jewish Support Services
- Richmond Synagogue
- Aberdeen Synagogue
- Helping Hands - Brighton and Hove
TOPICS COVERED...
- Reaching Isolated Communities:
- Identifying Existing Provisions:
- Challenges of Small and Aging Communities:
- Limited Resources:
- Aging Membership:
- Geographic Dispersion:
- Social Isolation:
- Volunteer Fatigue:
- Successes in Community Support:
- Social Events: Events like coffee mornings and communal meals repeatedly were given as successful examples that overcame isolation and geographic impediment.
- Home Visits and Befriending:
- Cross-Communal Collaboration: Working with other organisations and faith groups could help you succeed in engaging more people.
- Partnerships with Universities: Engaging with Jewish student organisations (JSOCs) increased capacity and range of skill sets.
- Concerns About Antisemitism: Rising anti-Semitism is a concern.
- Importance of Networking: